§ 23. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Assistant Postmaster-General when the present telephone system at Newport was installed.
§ Mr. GammansThe exchange was opened in 1915.
§ Mr. FreemanWas not this the first experimental dialling system station opened in this country, and has it not had all the inherent disadvantages of an experimental scheme ever since?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreDid the hon. Member for Newport put his Question to the previous Government? If so, what answer did he get?
§ 24. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the inadequacy of the present telephone exchange at Newport to meet the growing needs of Monmouthshire and surrounding areas; and what action he proposes to take to modernise the existing installation.
§ Mr. GammansAs the hon. Member is aware, a building extension is in progress and when it is ready the new equipment already on order will be installed. I am chary of estimating when the building will be finished in view of present shortages of materials.
§ Mr. FreemanIs the hon. Gentleman aware that that will be very favourably received by the community of Monmouthshire, particularly Newport? In view of the long delays which have occurred in connection with this installation, will he make every effort to press it forward with all possible speed?
§ Mr. GammansI can assure the hon. Member that there will be no delay if we can possibly avoid it.